Holidays are so close!

November is here and I am surprised how much I am itching for the holidays. When I think about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year I always catch myself remembering things from my childhood. I am sure many of you do the exact same thing. I have been thinking about how my mom decorated every nook and corner of our home (pictured above and below); I recall peeking into the knitted stocking my Great Grandmother made me when I was four; I can smell the delicious baked treats coming out of the oven, and feel the frosty air outside before heading to visit with family and friends. (insert sigh here)

These fond memories that I have are things I hope to share with my children one day. Is that what parents enjoy the most; sharing these memories and creating them for their own children? It's something I am really looking forward to and in the meantime I have been tabbing soo many sweet treats and holiday gift ideas... Hopefully by the time we have little one's I will have an archive of goodies and traditions tucked up my sleeve. Until that happens I will keep myself busy by "testing" everything and making sure they are just right before I give them away.

This year I plan to try homemade breads, spreads, and caramel treats will be given as gifts to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Last year I made easy fudge, melt-in-your mouth toffee, cookies, cupcakes, and anything you could imagine dipped in chocolate. (WARNING:these are very very bad for diets!) I plan to share some of my favorites very soon and would love to hear about anything you make that would make great gifts. I need to be as recession friendly as possible and even have a few ideas up my sleeves on how to decorate them once I have put them together. (Yay for old fabric squares and clearance ribbon!)

I hope your are having a great week. I am excited to take some time tomorrow and catch up on all my favorite blogs and maybe fit in a viewing of Elf!